English Cocker Spaniel
Graceful, adventurous, and with a mischievous sense of humor. These qualities make the English Cocker Spaniel one of the most popular dog breeds. Learn the most essential facts about this long-eared Briton in our breed profile.
Appearance: Strong and robust build
English Cocker Spaniels are medium-sized and robust, standing approximately 40 centimeters tall at the withers and weighing between 12.5 and 14.5 kilograms. A striking characteristic of the breed is their low-set, long, drooping ears.
The coat is smooth and silky and comes in many different colors, where slight spotting is permitted:
- Solid-colored representatives of the breed are black, brown, or white.
- Bicolor Cocker Spaniels are black and white, orange and white, brown and white, or lemon and white.
- In addition, there are tricolored specimens.
What is the difference between an American Cocker Spaniel and an English Cocker Spaniel?
The American Cocker SpanielThe. The American variety was originally a variant of the English Sheepdog, which was further developed in the USA. Although the two are closely related, they differ in build, coat texture, and color. The American variety is smaller than the English Sheepdog and has a rounder head, a shorter muzzle, and more abundant, often wavy fur.
Character: Cheerful, friendly, greedy
Appearances don't deceive: The English Cocker Spaniel is a cheerful, outgoing dog. He needs to be part of a family. He is friendly towards people, considered affectionate, loyal, and cuddly, and is always up for playing and having fun.
He does reliably announce strangers by barking. However, it also makes friends with them just as quickly. Therefore, the English Cocker Spaniel is generally not a good guard dog.
He has another weakness: besides his family, he loves food of any kind. These cheerful little creatures love treats, which, unfortunately, often lead to obesity. leads
Are Cocker Spaniels difficult?
Despite its friendly nature and lack of guarding instincts, the lop-eared dog remains a hunter at heart. Once this four-legged friend picks up a scent, it often gives free rein to its hunting drive, rather than its obedience. However, that doesn't make him a difficult dog.
Training: Consistency is key with the English Cocker Spaniel.
As a passionate hunter, the English Cocker Spaniel needs consistent, gentle training. Establish clear rules for raising the new family member before they move in and stick to them.
Otherwise, an English Cocker Spaniel will declare every small "exception" to be the new rule to enforce its stubbornness.
Warning: While the Cocker Spaniel's voracious appetite makes rewarding easy during training, beware: Don't let your four-legged friend wrap you around his paw when it comes to food. An English Cocker Spaniel is all too happy to give you a longing look to get what you want. Don't give in.
Who is an English Cocker Spaniel suitable for?
Knowing that the English Cocker Spaniel needs consistent training, even beginners will be able to manage their English Cocker Spaniel well. Since the English Cocker Spaniel is friendly, affectionate, loyal, and playful, it also possesses all the qualities of an ideal family dog.
Buying an English Cocker Spaniel: Here's what you need to know
Because the breed is so popular, there are numerous Cocker Spaniel breeders. A responsible breeder pays attention to the health of the parent dogs and their ancestors, as well as thorough socialization. The puppies.
He gives the female dog sufficient rest between litters and takes an interest in the new homes of his puppies. Furthermore, with a good breeder, you will usually have a contact person even after the purchase if you have any questions about your new family member.
English Cocker Spaniel puppies from a breeder should, of course, already be vaccinated before being given away. Dewormedand be chipped.
A good alternative: adoption from an animal shelter
Would an adult dog be acceptable? Then it's best to check your local animal shelter's website. Despite their popularity, English Cocker Spaniels often end up there.
There are also "Spaniels in Need" organizations that rehome Cocker Spaniels, as well as mixed breeds with a high Cocker Spaniel percentage. Regardless of where they find a suitable dog, giving an older dog a second chance can be a very enriching experience for both the person and the animal.
Conclusion: An active family dog with a stubborn streak
The English Cocker Spaniel is an active and affectionate family dog that quickly wins hearts. Since he has both a hunting instinct and a sweet tooth, he needs consistent training. Consistency is also required when it comes to grooming.
But with a bit of patience, even beginners can master these challenges and then enjoy their cheerful, floppy-eared friend for a long time.